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According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0040. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to 

average .5 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, 

and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 

OMB APPROVED 

0579-0040 

EXP.: 01/2021 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES 

VETERINARY SERVICES 

ON-HOLD SHIPMENT NOTIFICATION 

APPLICATION 

This form is to be completed by customers that have been subject to an animal products or organism and vectors shipment being 

held or in quarantine by the USDA and/or the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The on-hold 

processing fee associated with this application is non-refundable and does not expedite or guarantee release of shipment. For additional 

information contact the VeterinaryServices, Strategy and Policy (VS, S&P) office at 301-851-3300. 

Instructions: We strongly advise that this On-Hold Shipment Notification application (VS Form 16-79) be submitted on-line at: 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/animal-health-permits. 

Alternately, it may be submitted by email (preferably) to APIE@usda.gov or Fax to 301-851-2239. If more space is required, provide 

the information on a separate sheet and attach to the submission. 

The supporting documents listed below MUST accompany this application: 

1. Veterinary Services Import Permit or Application (if applicable) 4. Foreign Government Certificate, Manufacturers/Exporters Statement 

2. Airway Bill/Bill of Lading/Courier Tracking Receipt 5. Documents describing product processing prior to export to the U.S 

3. Invoice/Manifest 6. Copies of correspondence with the port regarding the shipment.

Emergency Action Notification (EAN) issued: Yes or No 

If yes, contact the AQI VMO (AQI VMO Contacts); do not contact VS, S&P. 

1. CBP Agriculture Specialist (CBPAS) or USDA Inspector

Name:

2. U.S. Importer/Consignee

Name:

Port City & State: Company Name & Address: 

Mode of Transport: Air Sea Land Phone Number: 

Port Phone Number: Fax Number: 

Port Fax Number: Email Address: 

Email Address: Broker Name & Phone Number: 

3. Description of Material Presently Detained at the Port of Entry

Name of Product: If at airport, airline and flight number: 

Country of Origin: Airway Bill (AWB) Number: 

Country of Export: If at seaport, Vessel name: 

Date of Arrival: Bill of Lading (BOL) Number: 

Customs Entry Number (format: XXX – 9999999-9): Container Number(s): 

Courier Name: If at land port, Tracking Number: 

Reason shipment was put on hold: 

Identify the animal origin ingredients/components including animal species (cow, sheep, horse, bird) and country of origin: 

4. Payment Method

User Fee Account Number: Credit Card Number: 

Expiration Date (mm/yyyy): 

Signature: Date: 

VS Form 16-79 

JUN 2020